Let's hope that this is one of Brexit's most exhilarating moments. ".
One government official told me this, anticipating a crucial moment today, but with enough perspective to understand that it wasn't necessarily the end of the story.
Between the government and Brussels, the government and Conservative backbenchers, and the government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland, these negotiations have resembled a game of diplomatic Jenga, with shaky bricks scattered all over the place.
The agreement between London and Brussels has been virtually finalized for some time, and we anticipate that it will be resolved today.
According to what I've heard, the prime minister spoke to some cabinet ministers on Sunday about the deal that would be finalized on Monday in addition to calling and texting world leaders who had an interest in all of this.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen are still in negotiations.
They will reportedly discuss a variety of topics, including how to address Northern Ireland's "democratic deficit," or the need for more influence over future changes to EU regulations that will affect the country.
But let's be clear: unless it was resolved, the president of the European Commission would not be coming here.
You shouldn't be shocked if the King meets with her during her visit. When I questioned Buckingham Palace if this would occur, they declined to comment.
But I've been told that it's awkward from a diplomatic standpoint when commitments like those made last week for a meeting on Saturday that was then postponed are not kept.
However, I also hear that there are heated discussions taking place in Whitehall about the proposal to meet with the King so soon after a significant political event, given that Buckingham Palace is constantly trying to avoid appearing to get involved in politics.
How does Rishi Sunak feel about the politics of all of this?
Downing Street will emphasize the deal's benefits for Northern Ireland, which they see as immediate gains. also repairing ties with the EU.
Both of these factors are significant; the former helps convince skeptics that this is an improvement over the status quo.
And the latter for everything else the prime minister needs to resolve with the assistance of the European Union, not the least of which is the Channel Islands' small boat crossings.
Next month, Mr. Sunak will travel to Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
It is incredibly difficult to resolve the small boat issue, but having a good working relationship with France would be beneficial.
The ultimate goal, however, is not being widely discussed by government sources at the moment: restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland.
Of course, they hope that it will eventually follow, but that is not a given. The DUP has since quieted down after initially sounding rather skeptical.
A variety of voices can be heard within the DUP, keep in mind.
Downing Street will be hoping that the party will formally commit to reviewing the deal in detail after some time has passed rather than loudly and immediately rejecting it.
For the DUP, however, politics are challenging.
Jim Allister, the head of the DUP rival Traditional Unionist Voice, predicts "a day of unprecedented spin and perhaps deception as pressure is piled on unionism to give in on the protocol.". He doesn't sound in the least bit excited.
There are also Brexiteer Tories.
Some have achieved victory and are currently in office.
Steve Baker, who is currently a minister for Northern Ireland, visited Downing Street over the weekend and emerged to give a very pronounced thumbs up to the cameras.
But Mark Francois, the leader of the Tory backbenchers' European Research Group, is not persuaded.
Last but not least, there is Boris Johnson.
We'll soon find out what he might say or do and how much trouble he might fancy causing the prime minister.
Because of this, Mr. Sunak's diplomatic success also puts him in political danger.
